If we could all try to learn healthier habits in a stress-free bubble, the going would be a lot easier. Who hasn’t received an irritating email and had a sudden urge for a bag of chips—fried not baked?

When it comes to weight loss, stress reduction is extremely important, according to Pam Peeke, MD, MPH, and author of the The Hunger Fix. "When life’s stresses hit, you must learn to adapt and adjust without resorting to self-destructive habits—your False Fixes," she says. Studies have shown that forming what is referred to as an implementation intention (‘If I encounter situation X, then I will perform behavior Y"’) increases your probability of carrying out your goals.

4. A Fight With Your SpouseFalse Fix Response: Bag all exercise, withdraw alone to watch endless Law & Order reruns, head to the ice-cream scoop, drink extra glasses of wine.Healthy Fix Response: Call a friend to unload, take a walk, meditate, regroup and repair with spouse ASAP.

5. You Have A Parent Sick In The HospitalFalse Fix Response: Vending machine food, no exercise, not enough sleep, feel physically sick with worry.Healthy Fix Response: Walk around the hospital grounds, use the stairs, bring your own food in a cooler, do stretches in the room, get up every 30 minutes to walk and stretch, meditate and/or pray, call upon your friends/family to support you.